Download Transoesophageal Echocardiogram

Transoesophageal Echocardiogram
What is a Transoesophageal Echocardiogram?
The Transoeseophageal Echocardiogram (TOE) uses a tube or probe placed in the gullet
(oesophagus) to take close up moving pictures of the heart using ultrasound.
How is it done?
After you are sedated, the TOE probe is placed via the mouth into the gullet just behind but not
touching your heart. The heart sits just in front of the gullet, providing very detailed pictures of the
heart. The tube is very similar to a gastroscope used to examine the stomach and gullet for
indigestion or stomach ulcers.
What do I do on the day?
Please present yourself to Ground Floor enquiries for directions to Admissions, after which you will
be directed to Ward 2E.
Do not drive yourself to the hospital - arrange for a driver or other transportation to bring you and
take you home. Because you will receive sedation, you will not be permitted to drive yourself
home. Please bring your Medicare card, a list of all medications and your doctor's referral.
Can I eat and drink before my test?
You must not eat or drink for at least 8 hours and preferably 12 hours before your appointment otherwise your test may be cancelled. Eg. Fast from midnight for a morning appointment.
Do I take my medications on the day of the test?
Ask your doctor for specific instructions about taking your medication. In general, take all your
normal medications unless otherwise instructed. Morning medication can be taken with a small sip
of water. If you are diabetic, discuss this with your referring doctor.
What happens during the test?
This test is performed by a Cardiologist, an
assistant and usually an Anaesthetist. The Doctor
will place an intravenous line into your arm to give
you some short acting sedation. Your throat will be
sprayed with a local anaesthetic to allow the probe
to pass painlessly into your gullet. You will be
asked to remove any dentures. A small plastic
mouth guard will be used to protect your teeth.
Oxygen will be given to you by a tube placed near
your nose.
When your throat is numb, you will be asked to lie
on your left side. You will be drowsy but awake
enough to follow instructions.
While you are
sedated the doctor will position the probe in your
throat and ask you to swallow. The probe is then
guided into your gullet. The probe is approximately
1.2 cm or 1/2 inch wide.
rd
Updated: Oct 2015
Page 1 of 2
3 Floor Philip Block
The Alfred Hospital
Commercial Road
Melbourne Vic Australia 3004
Ph: 61 3 90763263/6525
Fax: 03 90762461
[email protected]
www.alfredheartcentre.org.au
For most people this is not uncomfortable but extra sedation and pain relief can be administered if
necessary. The test takes about 20 minutes. When it is finished you will be taken to a recovery
area where you will wake up fully within 10-20 minutes. While your throat is numb you will not be
able to eat or drink because your swallowing is impaired - within 1-1.5 hours it will return to normal.
How long does the test take?
Allow 4 hours for this appointment.
What are the risks?
Ultrasound itself carries no known risks and there are no known biological effects related to the
ultrasound waves.
While every effort is made to minimise the risks of the procedure, there are small but definite risks
of complications.

Minor risks
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
Discomfort in the throat - this may affect up to 20% of people but is minimised by local
anaesthetic and sedation. It will quickly disappear.
Injury to teeth or dentures - precautions are taken to avoid this by use of the mouthguard or
removal of dentures.
You must not drive for 6-8 hours after this test because even small amounts of sedation
may affect driving skills.
Serious but very rare problems include
o
o
o
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Unexpected onset of breathing difficulties such as asthma, or spasm of the airways.
Abnormalities of heart rhythm.
Unexpected allergy to one of the drugs administered.
Perforation of the gullet - this is more likely if the gullet is already diseased.
Inhalation of stomach contents leading to lung infection
Death or the need for resuscitation - this is extremely rare (1 in 10,000)
The doctor ordering the test is well aware of these risks, and will have taken them into account
before recommending the test. Please discuss these issues prior to agreeing to have this test.
How will I get my results?
The TOE results are reported on by a Cardiologist. These results are forwarded to your referring
doctor within the following five days.
rd
Updated: Oct 2015
Page 2 of 2
3 Floor Philip Block
The Alfred Hospital
Commercial Road
Melbourne Vic Australia 3004
Ph: 61 3 90763263/6525
Fax: 03 90762461
[email protected]
www.alfredheartcentre.org.au